Young Photographer Celebrates Surprise Visit from Paralympian

A young photographer from Gore has received a surprise visit from a Paralympic athlete after winning a national photo competition. The contest, titled “Where is my healthy place?”, was organized by the Bupa Foundation, Paralympics New Zealand, and NZ Landcare Trust. It invited schoolchildren across the country to capture images of their healthy places, with the winner receiving a visit from a Paralympian and an opportunity to plant trees at their school.

Eden Barbour, a nine-year-old student at St Mary’s School, submitted a stunning photograph taken from the summit of East Peak, near Gore. The image showcased the breathtaking views of Southland that can be seen after a challenging climb. Eden was unaware of her victory until earlier this month when she was surprised by Holly Robinson, a renowned para athlete from Dunedin, during a school assembly.

Robinson, who achieved remarkable success at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, winning a gold medal in javelin, as well as a silver in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and a bronze in shot put at the upcoming 2024 Paris games, took time to engage with the students. Eden described the experience as “speechless,” noting the excitement of having Robinson at her school.

During the visit, Robinson answered students’ questions and participated in planting native trees alongside the children. Eden expressed her joy, stating, “It was cool. She won a bronze medal, and I got to wear it, and I also got to hold the shot put that she uses. I loved it when I got to share [the visit] with all of the school, because it wasn’t just for me, it was for the whole school.”

The athlete reflected on the significance of such visits, highlighting the joy it brings to young students. “The kids were all really excited, you can see it on their faces, they’re smiling, they’re excited, they just want to listen and hear,” Robinson noted. She emphasized that as someone who competes at the highest levels, it is equally important to give back to the community and inspire future generations.

Robinson added, “To be able to go and talk to the kids, give them a little piece they can take into their own lives, that’s a really special thing.”

The event not only celebrated Eden’s achievement but also fostered a sense of community and environmental stewardship among the students. Pedro Sanchez, managing director of Bupa New Zealand, remarked on the positive impact such initiatives have on both athletes and children. “It’s great to bring NZ Landcare Trust and Paralympics New Zealand together to create such a meaningful day for the kids. The athletes are so generous with their time and really make a lasting impact,” he stated.

Eden’s winning photograph and the visit from Holly Robinson serve as a reminder of the power of creativity and the importance of healthy environments for young people.